Presorted Standard | US Postage Paid Newport, WA | Permit No. 18 | ECRWWS
Celebrating Life at Diamond Lake and Sacheen Lake Volume 6, Issue 3
June 2017
Firework Safety Shoreline Work Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Newport, WA Permit No. 384400
Summer Recipes
WHO TO CONTACT LLC
Serving Washington & Idaho since 2000
Website: pendoreilleco.org
Commissioners
A C O N S T R U C T I O N C O M PA N Y
E L E G A N C E
C O M F O R T
F U N C T I O N
Pend Oreille County
remodels additions 509-447-5541 / 509-671-0406
www.varnoconstruction.com WA Lic# VARNOL*896K6 ID Lic# RCE-32589
Defining Legal Excellence
Land Use & Zoning Trusts & Probate Agricultural Law Elder Law Real Estate & Property Estate Planning Water & Natural Resource Law
509-447-4119 District 1: Chairwoman Karen Skoog (2020) District 2: Member Mike Manus (2018) District 3: Vice Chairman Steve Kiss (2020) Four-year terms Annual salary: $53,945.28 P.O. Box 5025, Newport, WA 99156 Board meets every Monday and Tuesday at 9 a.m. in commissioners’ office, main floor of the courthouse. Clerk of the Board: Rhonda Cary Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Auditor 509-447-6474 Fax: 509-447-2475 Marianne Nichols (2018) Four-year term Annual salary: $57,492.24
P.O. Box 5015, Newport, WA 99156
Assessor 509-447-4312 Fax: 509-447-6450 James McCroskey (2018) Four-year term Annual salary: $57,492.24 P.O. Box 5010, Newport, WA 99156
Public Works Department 509-447-4513 Fax: 509-447-5890 Located in the lower level of the County Courthouse. P.O. Box 5065, Newport WA 99156 Director of Public Works: Sam Castro County Engineer/Assistant Director: Don Ramsey Risk Manager/Office Manager: Teresa Brooks Solid Waste Coordinator: Amanda Griesemer Fleet Accountant: Teresa Deal Receptionist: Annie Suchocki • Road Division, 509-447-
4513 P.O. Box 5040, Newport, WA 99156 • Solid Waste Division, 509447-4513 P.O. Box 5041, Newport WA 99156 • Buildings and Grounds, 509-447-4513 P.O. Box 5068, Newport, WA 99156
Board of Equalization 509-447-2712 Fax: 509-447-0595 P.O. Box 5018, Newport WA 99156 Board: Margie Fedderly, Mary Cates, Richard Miller, Bob Sanborn, alternative Clerk: Rhonda Cary
Community Development Department 509-447-4821 • Planning Commission John Stuart, Norris Boyd, SEE CONTACT, 15
Published: June 2017 Publisher: Michelle Nedved Writers & editors: Don Gronning and Sophia Aldous Design: Chuck Waterman Advertising: Lindsay Guscott, Cindy Boober and Micki Brass Cover photo: Courtesy Katie Weber LAKE LIFE is published monthly in April, May, June, July and August as a supplement to The Newport Miner and Gem State Miner, 421 S. Spokane, Newport WA 99156. TELEPHONE: 509-447-2433 E-MAIL: minernews@povn.com, mineradvertising@povn.com FAX: 509-447-9222
Erika R. Grubbs
Elizabeth A. Tellessen
Jeffrey R. Ropp
Reproduction of articles & photographs is prohibited without permission of the Publisher.
See all issues at:
Lisa A. Malpass
Timothy R. Fisher
winstoncashatt.com • 509 •838 •6131 601 W. Riverside Ste. 1900, Spokane, WA 99201 PAGE 2
The Miner Online: www.pendoreillerivervalley.com. If you want to receive Lake Life in your mail contact The Miner at 509-447-2433.
June Lake Life
Caring for Family and Friends Since 1907
For Assistance in:
• Pre-Planning & Pre-Payment Plans • Funerals • Monuments • Cremations (Performed Locally)
All occasion room w/kitchenette for any party or gathering. Call to inquire.
(formerly Sherman-Knapp) (208) 448-1012 118 Wisconsin Street • Priest River
(509) 447-3118 423 W. 2nd Street • Newport
LAKE LIFE PHOTO|CANEEL JOHNSON
Veterinarian Dr. Michelle Ward divides her time between her mobile pet lab and traveling the world helping people with their animals.
Diamond Lake resident travels around the world saving animals BY CANEEL JOHNSON
DIAMOND LAKE – Dr. Michelle Ward is a mixed practice veterinarian. She works in the Riverview Animal Clinic three days a week, and works out of her Pet Mobile PLLC two days a week for Pend Oreille and Bonner counties. Mixed practice means she works on a variety of animals including small and large animals, as well as wildlife. “I pretty much take anything,” Ward says. She has a rehabilitator’s permit from the state of Washington. She does not have a clinic of her own, so she treats the animals and then finds a place for them to heal. “World Vets is a hobby of mine,” Ward says. “It is like a mobile M.A.S.H. unit for animals.” World Vets is an international animal aid organization. It is a volunteer non-profit group started by Dr. Kathy King, a native of Sandpoint, while working in Deer Park. They pack in supplies, set up a hospital, and provide free spay, neuter, flea and tick treatments, as well as any medical care that they are capable of administering, and any meds that are needed. SEE VET, 6 June Lake Life
FIND YOUR PERFECT COLOR.
26 TOP RATED BY A LEADING CONSUMER MAGAZINE
SELKIRK K “YOUR HOMETOWN DIFFERENCE” East end of the Oldtown bridge, Oldtown, Idaho - 208.437.5669 Open 7 days a week from 7am to 6pm
Dependable Lawn Services • MOWING • TRIMMING • PRUNING • SPRINKLER REPAIR
Richard 20 years of Great Service COURTESY PHOTO|MICHELLE WARD
Dr. Ward works on all animals, including this squirrel she treated for a broken leg.
Wild Coyote Lawn Services 208-610-1223
PAGE 3
Is your burn pile out? Really out?
n r e L h akes t r o N
BY GUY GIFFORD FIREWISE COORDINATOR, WASHINGTON DNR
Dock & Barge
Kevin Hansen (208) 428-0505 • (208) 290-2319
DOCKS - NEW & REBUILD PILE DRIVING WATER FRONT ENHANCEMENT RIPRAP/ SAND & GRAVEL BARGE SERVICE
RCE-4625
COLVILLE – Did you do some outdoor burning this winter and spring? If so, please read on because outdoor burning is the leading cause of wildfire in northeast Washington state. You may be wondering, how does a burn pile become a wildfire? One of the leading reasons is “failure to extinguish� the pile. Did you know that a pile burned in January can start a wildfire in July? People are often surprised that a pile they burned during the winter and then saw covered by three feet of snow, followed by four inches of rain and produced no visible smoke for six months can still start a fire in summer. It is true and this is how it happens: The conscientious land-
COURTESY PHOTO|CALFIRE
Burn piles like this can smolder for months, long after landowners think it’s out.
owner burns the pile when fire danger is low and outdoor burning is allowed. The pile burns down but some of the material may be mixed in the dirt beneath the ash. Due to the scarcity of oxygen at the bottom of the pile, this material may continue
May the FISH be with you. EXW LI \RX VOLS RQ D URFN LPSDOH \RXU ÀQJHU RU FDWFK D ÀVKKRRN WR WKH H\H we’re here for you! * +RXU (PHUJHQF\ &DUH * )DPLO\ 3UDFWLFH &OLQLF
* 'LDJQRVWLF ,PDJLQJ * 6XUJHU\ $QHVWKHVLD
NEWPORT HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES
: 3LQH 6W 1HZSRUW :$ ‡ ‡ 1HZSRUW+RVSLWDO$QG+HDOWK RUJ PAGE 4
to burn but very, very slowly. It can burn so slowly that no smoke is seen, and the heat produced is so minute that it does not melt any snow that falls on the top of the pile. When you feel the top of the ground with the back of your hand you’ll likely feel only cold ash. But, when summer arrives and the weather warms up, a piece of that slow burning wood near an outer edge of the pile may become exposed to air. The result could be a small flame. If that flame touches nearby dry grass or other dry vegetation, you have the next wildfire. I have worked on numerous wildfires over the years that started from a pile that the landowner said was “out� and was sure had been out for months. Many times I have walked up a burn pile that looks like it is completely out. I may see no smoke and feel no heat when I touch the ground, but when I put my shovel into the pile and dig into the ash I might find burning material six inches, or maybe even a foot, below the pile’s surface. What can you do to help SEE BURN, 15 June Lake Life
The politics of milfoil and its management BY SHARON SORBY
“Like it never happened”
PEND OREILLE COUNTY WEED BOARD
Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum, is a noxious weed. Noxious is a legal term that is based in the emerging science of non-native invasive plants and the harm they cause to agriculture, human and stock animal health, traditionally, and more recently, to wildlife and natural habitats. We know that dense milfoil beds change water chemistry making it harmful to fish and also can alter predator to prey ratios, both affecting fishing quality. The beds also cause problems for boating, some-
Lifetime Guarantee Loaner Cars All Insurance Accepted Free Estimates
Newport, WA • 509-447-4225 www.rogersbodyandframe.com
COURTESY PHOTO|SHARON SORBY
When the milfoil plant flowers it can do so above the surface of the water, usually in late summer.
SEE MILFOIL, 15
PRECISION PROPELLER, INC
COURTESY PHOTO|SHARON SORBY
Milfoil has a feathery structure. At the end of the growing season they break off and the segments sprout roots and float to new areas. June Lake Life
ld”
Concrete Aggregate Excavation
il
Rock Your “ W l
or
We W
Darren • Colton Ph. • (509) 489-7765 1-800-735-6318 Fax • (509) 489-7766 5626 N. Freya Spokane, WA 99217 www.precisionpropco.com
Factory Authorized Propeller Service All Makes Heliarc Welding Michigan Distributor Jet Impeller Repair Fully Certified by NMPA Meeting Your Propeller Needs Since 1962
Our Mud’s For You
Sherman an Rock & Con Concrete (509) 447-4214 • Hwy 20 • Newport
PAGE 5
VET |
Take the home water test. Y
N
Rusty-Red stains on sinks, lavatories, etc. Blue-Green stains on sinks, lavatories, etc. Soap crud ring on bathtubs, showers Rotten egg odor Soaps lose suds quickly Chrome fittings etched or being eaten away Rusty stains on clothing, linens, etc. Excessive spotting of dishes and silverware Black stains on silverware Tastes and/or odors in drinking water
If you answered “YES” to one or more of these questions, call “The Water Professionals” at Fogle Pump & Supply!
We’re the water problem solvers!
FROM PAGE 3
There are 15 people on each team and 15 to 30 locals on the ground. There is a local company that provides the location, volunteers, and gets the word out to all the locals to bring in their animals. The typical trip is two days of travel, three days of work, and two days off. “Every trip is my favorite,” says Ward. “It is a little crazy because I pay for this trip. I don’t get anything for free. It is all a gift I am giving. My time off is my vacation days. I pay for my own airfare. We all pay a fee to go on the trip. It covers our lodging and meals on workdays. I am working for free.” She keeps going back. “I just did my 14th trip in March,” she says. She began volunteering in 2011. She has been to Ecuador, Belize, Nicaragua twice, Columbia, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, and St. Eustatius. In November, she will be going to Nepal on a pilot trip, which means that it is the group’s first time there. They never know what work environment they will be dealing with. In Guatemala, they had to travel in a boat up the river to get to their living and working area. They stayed in bamboo huts on stilts. There was no electricity or running water. “We always pack headlamps just in case.” They were at the mercy of the local women for all their meals. “We ate mostly root vegetables. There was no dairy or meat,” says Dr. Ward. “I will be leading my first team to Ecuador next March.” It is her third trip to Ecuador. “We can see the difference in the places we have been to, the gratitude in people and change in animals. It is definitely helping them live better lives,” says Ward. SEE VET, 8
PAGE 6
June Lake Life
Fireworks Safety BY MIKE NOKES CHIEF, SOUTH PEND OREILLE FIRE AND RESCUE
As we get closer to summer we are coming up on the Annual 4th of July celebration. In past years, this celebration seems to extend itself over a period of days and creates some cause for concern in our area with the use of illegal fireworks. Every year we respond to brush and grass fires caused by fireworks. All of us at South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue would like to take a couple of moments to discuss some fireworks safety with you in hopes of reducing potential injuries and fires. Nokes
Responsible.
There are three key elements concerning Fireworks safety: Be Prepared, Be Safe, and Be
Be Prepared Before lighting fireworks, make sure you are only using legal fireworks from licensed stands. Many times we see illegal fireworks being used. The safe use of legal fireworks will limit the potential of injury and damage to property. Rule of thumb, if it flies into the air like a bottle rocket or explodes like a fire cracker it’s probably illegal. Keep water on hand. By having a couple buckets of water and a garden hose on hand
you can extinguish any small fires that might start and you can soak you’re used or dud, fireworks.
Be Safe Lighting of fireworks should only be done by responsible adults. Do not light fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not throw fireworks or hold them in your hand. Many traumatic injuries have occurred in the past by people using fireworks in unsafe ways. Never re-light a “Dud.” Duds should be disposed of after soaking in water. Do not dispose of duds until they have soaked in a bucket of water for at least an hour. Have a safe area free from burnable materials and have a safe escape area free from hazards. Untethered Sky Lanterns are illegal in the State of Washington.
Be Responsible
Hey locals, check out our same day rates Just for you at
innathelake.com
Rooms with a view of Beautiful Diamond Lake 509-447-5772
After you finish, clean up the debris leftover, soak used fireworks in a bucket of water. Be aware of the fire danger level and ensure a County Firework ban hasn’t been put into effect due to the fire danger level rating. Many SEE FIREWORKS, 15
1-800-310-DOCK www.marinewestindustries.com Floating & Free-Standing Docks Gangways & Ramps Boat Lifts & Canopies Swim Rafts
Display yard 8800 N. Fairview, Spokane
Serving The Area With. . . Electric Heating & Furnace Repair Air Conditioning • Refrigeration Hot Water Tank Repair Appliance Repair - All Makes & Models
N ewport
APPLIANCE SERVICE Steve Kroening
June Lake Life
(509) 671-1075 PAGE 7
WEATHER BABBLE
Water, bark beetle and fire BOB LUTZ
Dick Bockemuehl
Waterfront Specialist 509 951-4390 dickb@21waterfront.com www.parade-of-lakes.com www.21waterfront.com
Pend Oreille & Bonner County Waterfront Specialist
Live Music
July 1st • 8pm - Midnight featuring Black Jack
Must be 21 with valid I.D.
The
And
Boat Launch Restaurant & Lounge
South Shore Store
“The place where parties get launched” off Highway 2 Next to the Diamond Lake Boat Launch
Diamond Lake • 509-447-2035
Diamond Lake Deli & More, LLC • ICE cold beer • Ice • • TAKE & BAKE PIZZA W E • Broasted Chicken • N (Call & Order)
Non Ethonol Gasoline Fishing Licenses • Tackle
Open 7-9 Daily 325182 Hwy 2. Diamond Lake
509•447•3886
PAGE 8
CLIMATOLOGIST
SACHEEN LAKE – Things are finally starting to dry out around these parts, but the later arrival of the dry weather this spring following an extremely wet fall and winter may spell bad news for our local bark beetle! Now, this is of course is not a bad thing, but I’m sure many of you are wondering how our almost tropical-like pattern of late Lutz will slow these eating machines. Well, the short answer is sap! Over the past decade or more, the shorter winters and summer droughts have stressed the trees, leading to a short supply of sap. As a result, these little pests, which are no bigger than a mouse dropping (both of which by the way are not very welcome around our house) have killed millions of acres of trees all over the Western U.S., Canada, and Alaska. But now, these seemingly unstoppable munch-guts may have met their match. The record-breaking precipitation since last October has put a substantial amount of liquid into our local water tables, which will likely remain quite high for months to come. This will lead to plenty of water availability for our local trees, which in turn will allow them to maintain a full reservoir of sap this year. Sap is a tree’s natural defense as it will literally push the bark beetle out and smother it. Since the bark beetle typically thrives on the trees which are most stressed with little sap, one can only
conclude that their “salad bar” of stressed trees will be in short supply this year. So in short, while all this year’s precipitation has been a hassle to deal with, there are a host of good things that may come out of it in the long run. But wait, there’s more possible good news! I just received the latest forecast from the National Weather Service outlining what to expect this fire season… The first area of concern of course are the enormous areas of thick vegetation that has popped-up as a result of our unusually soggy spring, which will no doubt dry up and become fire fuel by mid-summer. Even so, the fire outlook (at least at this time) does not raise any big “alarms” as it looks to be about normal for our area of the Northwest. This of course will all depend on the amount of thunderstorms we receive this year, which are huge fire-starters for our region. The good news is that our local lakes and rivers will be filled to the brim, so if any of that water is needed for fighting fires, there will be plenty of it to go around. And speaking of plenty of water, the current high levels on the Pend Oreille River and our area lakes should continue their slow decline back down to more normal levels going into July as all the mid-level snowpacks are gone, and what’s left of the high elevation snow continues to melt away. Coming up… With the introduction of a new president this year, the subject of “global warming” has once again reared its ugly head. In the next edition of Lake Life, I’ll update you on the current “state of the climate” and whether or not you’ll need to protect YOUR head from doom & gloom in the years ahead.
VET | Biggest problem includes parasites FROM PAGE 3
The biggest problems are parasites, nutrition and overpopulation. The largest disadvantages are lack of knowledge and lack of services. Even if people have the money to treat their animals there is nowhere for them to be treated. The World Vet Organization is helping to remedy this problem. Any veterinarian in the area is allowed hands
on training right alongside the teams. Also, World Vet’s opened the Latin Veterinary Training Center in Nicaragua. It is open to any Latin American veterinarian who can get to the center. The week of surgical training is free. “The best thing about the center is that the people who are training the new volunteers are the veterinarians previously trained by the World Vet teams. I personally
trained one of the vets that is now training vets there,” says Ward. “If you just love animals and a desire to help animals there is a place on the team for you,” she says. There are two assistant positions available on each trip. To volunteer or learn more about World Vets visit the website at www.worldvets.org, or visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/michelle. ward.545. June Lake Life
Q and A with Pend Oreille Master Gardeners ing the product in a vegetable garden, be sure it is safe for food crops. Be sure to read and follow all label directions to avoid poisoning pets or bees.
Editor’s Note: This is a series in which Pend Oreille County Master Gardeners answer questions about gardening in the short Pend Oreille County season. There is contact information at the end of the column.
Question: My friend just gave me several African violet plants and the new interior leaves are turning black and mushy. I am an experienced African violet grower and am afraid these new plants might infect my own. What shall I do? From your description, your new plants may possibly have Crown & Root Rot. If the pot has good drainage and the plants are not planted too deep, the previous owner may have simply over-watered them. Watering with water that is too cold may also cause this condition. Unfortunately, the best thing for you to do is discard the affected plants along with the soil in the pot. If you use the same pot for a new plant make sure it is sterilized by soaking it solution of one part bleach and nine parts water and be sure to use a sterilized potting mixture as well. Sources: http://www.clemson. edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_ pests/indoor/hgic2250.html
Question: How do I get rid of moss in my lawn? When we have an especially cloudy, rainy spring, moss shows up in lawns. A few people enjoy its appearance and even work to establish “moss gardens.” However, most people are unhappy when they discover moss overtaking their lawn. First just use a rake to remove the moss. That might be enough to eliminate the moss. If necJune Lake Life
Sources: wsu.edu/hortsense; jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu. E-mail your gardening, plant and insect ID and other questions to your Pend Oreille County
African violet
essary there are products you can purchase to control moss including ferrous sulfate, iron sulfate, and ammonium sulfate. In order to prevent the moss from returning you must do more. Many grasses do not grow well in shade. Some trees and shrubs that are shading your lawn may need to be removed to allow more sun. In addition healthy grass will minimize the presence of moss. Using an all-purpose lawn fertilizer, watering a quarter inch several times a week, and mowing once a week will all encourage a healthy lawn, which will discourage moss. Source: Extension.oregonstate. edu/gardening/node/2499 “If you Mind Moss, Get on Board with Preventative Measures” by Kym Polorny
Question: What shall I do about earwigs in my apples? Earwigs are familiar reddish-brown, fast moving insects about 3/4 inch in length with a set of pincers at the end of their abdomen. The name earwig comes from an old unfounded superstition that the pest invades the ears of humans. They hide in dark, moist places during the day
and prosper during spring and early summer wet weather, as in this year. They are omnivores and are considered beneficial because they are important predators of some fruit pests, with aphids, pear psylla, mites and insect eggs (including those of codling moth) forming a significant part of the diet. Earwigs feed on seedlings and can be destructive. On older leaves they make irregular holes and damage along leaf edges. On the surface of ripe soft fruit they leave shallow holes. As earwigs rarely fly, infestations in orchards spread slowly. By welcoming birds, spiders, ground beetles, garter snakes, and frogs into the garden these pests can be kept in check. Earwigs prefer damp conditions. Drip irrigation and drying the soil surface discourages earwigs. Earwigs are nocturnal and feed at night. They can be trapped in shallow cans filled with 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. Adding a few drops of molasses may make the traps more attractive. Another trap consists of rolled, moistened newspaper put out in the evening and disposed of in the morning. There are a number of pesticide products available for earwig control. If you are us-
Master Gardeners at pomastergardeners@outlook.com or call the WSU/Pend Oreille County Extension Office at 509-4472401. Plant clinic hours are every Thursday from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Extension Office at 227 S. Garden Ave., Newport, where Master Gardeners are available to discuss gardening and landscaping issues with homeowners.
Your Scuba Diving Adventure Begins With Us Over 25 yr experience
Sales • Classes Rentals • PADI Scubapro Spokanes’ largest scuba inventory www.atlantisaquatics.net
16717 E. Sprague (509) 534-2144
BEN FRANKLIN® Mon - Sat 8 am - 7 pm Sun 9 am - 6 pm
• Convenience • Sa����� • Variety (208) 437-4822
201 East 4th Street North • Oldtown
BenFranklinVariety.com facebook.com/bfoldtown
Friendly, Professional and #1 300 S. Washington • Newport Licensed in Washington & Idaho (509) 447-2421 • (800) 788-3084 www.cbnorth.com PAGE 9
Foundation looks to be good stewards of Diamond Lake
208.443.2193
www.copperbayconstruction.com NOW SERVING THE PEND OREILLE VALLEY PAGE 10
DIAMOND LAKE – There’s a new way for lake residents to show their interest and investment in the health of Diamond Lake, and it’s through the Friends of Diamond Lake Washington Foundation (FDLWF). The Friends of Diamond Lake Washington Foundation was formed to carry on the work of Diamond Lake Improvement Association. The decision was voted on by the attending membership at the general meeting in 2016. The formation of the FDLWF makes it possible for the foundation to accept donations from any source and all donations are tax deductible. According to a letter sent to Diamond Lake residents by the Foundation, postmarked June 20, the foundation plans to continue to support the health of the lake through invasive species treatment programs (professional treatment and hand pulling), funding the future boat launch inspection project, and fish-pen operation/ maintenance. The foundation will also work to support local Boy Scout troop activities and South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue (which serves Diamond Lake, as well as Sacheen Lake, Deer Valley, Camden and Fertile Valley areas). The foundation will present the Fourth of July firework display, and pay for the streetlights around the lake. “Our mission for this Foundation is to strive to protect and preserve the water and enhance the quality of life on Diamond Lake. We hope to engage the lake community in this mission with us,” the letter reads. June Lake Life
Shoreline work needs planning BY CANEEL JOHNSON
NEWPORT – Lakeside renovations can be extensive and costly. People can spend a great deal of money on a project before they realize it isn’t practical or even legal. To help navigate the waters of working on or near
‘Navigating the permits required can be very daunting. Don’t be discouraged; there is help available.’ Andy Huddleston, Planner Pend Oreille County
the shoreline, Pend Oreille County’s Andy Huddleston and the Kalispel Tribe’s Matthew Berger put on a shoreline management workshop June 8 in Newport, one of Washington State University Master Gardner’s classes. “The process is really confusing. There are tons of moving parts,” Huddleston told the class. He says people should call him before they start a project and he’ll help guide them through the permitting process. “We will come out and meet with you, hear what you want to do, and help get you in touch with the right people,” says Huddleston. There are jurisdictions, various agencies, cost thresholds (if a project goes above a predetermined cost set by the county, it is pushed into the next permitting category), multiple permits with varying costs, and waiting periods to navigate. Whether your project is above or below the Ordinary High-Water Mark (OHWM) determines the complicated nature of the process. There are a variety of agencies and permits depending on the project. June Lake Life
The most important part is the site plan, Huddleston says. A site plan is a detailed description of the project. It does not have to be done professionally. The more detailed it is the quicker the process will go. “I will give you a quick rundown. Say we are going to do a landing, stairs, dock and ramp,” Huddleston said at the June 8 workshop. It would require the site plan, Shoreline Authorization (SA), and state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) permits. The cost threshold for the SA is $6,400. Docks have different thresholds. The cost threshold for the SA of a dock is $10,000. The permits are done together so the cost threshold for this project would be $16,400. Someone would come out see your site plan to help you navigate the permits, jurisdictions, and thresholds. Anything below the OHWM (the dock and ramp) needs to go through the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), which requires a waiting period to determine if there are any objections to the site plan. The site plan will be run in The Newport Miner for 15 days. If there are no objections, then a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS), which states that you have satisfied all the requirements of SEPA will be issued. Then you get a detailed email of the decision and your application goes off to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Once you have consent from Fish and Wildlife the Shoreline Authorization will be issued. “It will cost about $500 fees and 45 days for the process,” says Huddleston. “Our main goal is to make
sure the lake residents are not getting themselves in trouble with state and federal agencies,” says Huddleston. Before you start any project call Huddleston at 509-447-6462 or email him at ahuddleston@pendoreille. org. Matthew Berger is Wildlife Project Manager for the Kalispel Tribe. “I take care of everything that has to do with wildlife. Part of my job is shoreline restoration and restoration of habitats,” Berger said at the workshop. The key elements of shoreline restoration are slope, habitat structure, soil containment, and toe protection. To preserve the bank, it is crucial to stop erosion. The goal is to restore the natural slope of the bank to 4:1 or 5:1. So, for every foot from the shoreline the bank goes back it should rise four or five feet. Replanting natural vegetation will help stabilize the shore and stop losing land. “A homeowner could lose up to a foot or two a year on the river, less on the lakes. Pretty soon your back yard will be in the river,” Berger said. There are ways to resist erosion. “You would be surprised how good plants are at holding soil and stopping runoff,” Berger said. Native plants are best, he said, such as willow and red osier dogwood. The types of plants depend on your soil type, which you can find out through the county. It is important to be aware of where you are working. “You always have to work in the dry,” says Berger. SEE SHORELINE, 13
www.angelanewcomb.johnlscott.com
ANGELA NEWCOMB Broker Top Producer
(509) 671-2088
Serving My Neighbors & Friends
ELITE 2009-2016 CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE AWARD
angelanewcomb@johnlscott.com
Pend Oreille County
Public Utility District “Quality Service at Low Cost”
www.popud.org
509-447-3137
509-242-3137
Keep it Local
Diagnostic Specialists Service for ALL makes and models Deisels
208-448-0112 • 40 High St., Priest River • Mon-Fri: 8-5
Super Storage, LLC Outside•Fenced•Lighted 24 Hr. Access $25/mo. 3 mo. min. *some restrictions apply
509•953•7374
Diamond Lake/ Green Road PAGE 11
Fruit Skewers and Marshmallow Cream Dip Marshmallow Cream 2 7-ounce packages of Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Cream 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese (room temperature) Mix the two together and serve.
Heaven in a Bowl
The market changes. Are you prepared? AnthonyC C Newcomb Anthony Newcomb
BY CANEEL JOHNSON
FinancialAdvisor Advisor Financial .
7407 N Division St Suite E Spokane, WA 99208 509-468-5290 www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
Licensed • Bonded • New Construction • Remodels/Repairs
No bragging, no boasting. . . Just Good Service. . Consistently providing the best in Service • Quality • Price Serving the area for over 22 years! Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning. 2nd and 3rd generation experience on hand. Offices in Oldtown & Deer Park
Deer Park
Oldtown
(208) 437-1085 (877) 437-1085 (509) 276-2721 ID Lic: 11072 • WA Lic: NORTHSP02551
PAGE 12
Slice, dice or chop your fruit into whatever shape you wish. Skewer in colorful patterns. Add marshmallows and chocolate dip to give an added twist.
Heaven in a bowl is my take on what was once a strawberry cream pie. I took it out of the crust, and changed some of the ingredients to fit my preferences. Then I experimented with my favorite fruit. I have made it with strawberries, banana, strawberries and kiwi, blueberries. My favorite is blueberries and raspberries, which makes a glorious red white and blue for any patriotic holiday. It can be made in a crust, as mini pies, or as a topping on waffles. “I prefer it in a bowl with a spoon, hence the name.” 1 8 oz. package of Cream Cheese (room temperature) 1 8 oz. Package of Sour Cream 1/3 cup Brown Sugar 1 cup thawed Cool Whip 1 teaspoon Vanilla Fresh fruit (Generally about 1 cup, but use as much or as little as you like. If you use two fruits ½ cup each) In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream sugar vanilla and cream cheese. Then stir in sour cream. Fold in Cool Whip, being careful not to fold all the air out. Add whatever fruit you would like making sure not to crush them too much. Transfer to whatever device you would like to consume them by, and refrigerate for at least one hour. If you are making minis, use an ice cream scoop, and freeze them. June Lake Life
Paper Recycling Do’s and Don’ts Please no cardboard in paper bin!!
YES! Pend Oreille does accept: • Loose newspaper, no strings or plastic • Magazines, but not in plastic wrapping • White office paper only • Window & non-window white envelopes • Loose, white shredded paper and junk mail
NOT Recyclable:
• No brown paper bags • No telephone books • No colored paper • No manila clasp envelopes • No paper inside plastic bags
Pend Oreille County Solid Waste (509) 447-4513
COURTESY PHOTO|KATIE BALL
Another day at the lake
Local resident Katie Ball sent The Miner a photo Friday, June 23, of this beautiful sunset from South Shore Road along Diamond Lake illustrating once more that it’s always a beautiful day at the lake.
FOUNDATION | Kickoff barbecue July 1 FROM PAGE 10
Board members include Julia Craze as president of the Foundation, Paul Moore as Vice President, Lori Largent as secretary, Dan Holman as treasurer. A kickoff BBQ for FDLWF is planned for Saturday, July 1, at the Diamond Lake Fire Station
on Highway 2. The day starts with a volunteer lake clean up at 9 a.m., followed by a BBQ lunch at 11 a.m. This will be a meet and greet type event. Come have lunch and meet the Foundation’s board members and discuss ideas with them or volunteer to help on projects. “We love volunteers, “the
letter says. “The board members of the Foundation are truly dedicated to preserving and protecting our lake. Please join us for lunch and a fresh start to the stewardship of our beautiful lake.” For more information, check out the website at www.friendsofdiamondlake.net.
River City Electrical
RCE
New Construction • Customs • Remodels • Shops • Garages • Barns
FREE Estimates • References Available Matt
(509) 671-2276
Jared
(509) 220-8714
Lic# RIVERCE886B7
SHORELINE | Cost depends on size FROM PAGE 11
“Work is rarely done in the water.” He said the process typically costs about $25 dollar a foot. “An average restoration will be about $5,000,” says Berger. June Lake Life
Cost depends on size of the bank and the condition of erosion. If it is a large project involving many properties, it would be more cost efficient to buy wholesale as a group. A mix of wild seed costs up to $100 per pound. Carol Mack WSU Extension Coordinator may be
able to arrange free willows. She can also provide a list of native plants for the area. Contact her at 509-447-7436 or email her at cmack@wsu. edu. For more information on the process contact Berger at 509-447-7244 or email him at mberger@knrd.org.
Artisan Wood A od Silas Dahlin 509-671-0047 Floors silasdahlin@gmail.com
Lukas Dahlin 208-301-8922 lukerdahlin@gmail.com
Lic.# SELKIWL843RW PAGE 13
CONTACT | FROM PAGE 2
Donald Comins, Dan Mueller, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Dennis Osweiler, Paul Edgren, Judy Ashton and Bill Kemp. Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Cusick Community Center for business, and on the fourth Tuesday of each month for workshops, starting at 6 p.m. • Park board members: Jeanetta Taulor, Dave Gruver, Mark Bender, Donald Comins, Greg Jakeman and Dwight Opp. There is a vacant seat in Districts 1. Meets the third Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Cusick Community Center.
Sheriff Emergencies 911 Dispatch, non-emergencies, 509-447-3151 Civil Deputy, 509-447-1907 Sheriff’s Administration, 509-447-1909 Corrections (Jail), 509-4471918 Sheriff Alan Botzheim, 509447-1901 Four-year term Annual salary: $84,305 Sheriff’s office mail: P.O. Box 5075, Newport, WA 99156 Jail mail: P.O. Box 5079, Newport, WA 99156 Office: 331 South Garden Ave., Newport, WA 99156 E-mail: sheriff@pendoreille. org
Emergency Management 509-447-3731 101 S. Garden Ave., P.O. Box 5035, Newport, WA 99156 Deputy director: JoAnn Boggs
Noxious Weed Control Board 509-447-2402 Fax: 509-447-6477 noxweedinfo@pendoreille. PAGE 14
org 227-B S. Garden Ave., P.O. Box 5085, Newport, WA 99156 Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Board: District 1 Warren Koontz, District 2 Wes Bailey, District 3 David Hoisington, District 4 Joe Sherman, District 5 Brad Berg The board meets every even month on the second Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the weed board office. Weed Coordinator: Sharon Sorby Email: ssorby@pendoreille. org
Public Hospital District No. 1 Newport Hospital and Health Services 509-447-2441 Fax: 509-447-5527 714 W. Pine St., Newport, WA 99156 Website: www.NewportHospitalAndHealth.org Commissioners (six-year terms): Lois Robertson, Lynnette Elswick, Terri Zakar, Thomas Garrett and Raymond King Board member’s stipend: $114 per meeting Board meets fourth Thursday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Sandifur Room (lower level of the hospital). Superintendent / CEO: Tom Wilbur Salary: $204,000
Public Utility District No. 1 509-447-3137 Fax: 509-447-5824 Website: www.popud.org The PUD’s main office is located at 130 N. Washington Ave., in Newport, with customer service and payment drop box available at the Box Canyon Dam office in Ione. The PUD operates Box Canyon Dam, located on the Pend Oreille River. PUD office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. It is closed for most holidays. To report an outage, call 509447-3137, 509-446-3137, or 509-242-3137. The commissioners meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Newport Conference Room in Newport, and on any fifth Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. at Box Canyon Dam in Ione. Meeting schedule subject to change. Commissioners serve for six-year terms: President Dan Peterson (2018), Vice President Curt Knapp (2020), Secretary Rick Larson (2022). Commissioners’ stipend is $114 per meeting. General Manager: F. Colin Willenbrock Annual Salary: $180,000
Diamond Lake Water & Sewer District 509-447-4660 Fax: 509-447-0180 172 South Shore Diamond Lake Road, Newport, WA 99156-9300 Operates water and sewer systems around Diamond Lake. Commissioners (six-year term): chairman Bob Graham (2017), Secretary Richard Swan (2016), Ray King (2019) Commissioner stipend: $70 per meeting Board meets on the first and third Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the district office. Office open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Maintenance hours are daily, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, they can be reached by telephone after hours for emergencies.
Sacheen Lake Sewer & Water District 509-447-4641 8272 Fertile Valley Rd., Sacheen Lake, WA 99156 Located at Sacheen Lake in southern Pend Oreille County. SEE CONTACT, 16 June Lake Life
BURN | Use a shovel to dig down into the pile FROM PAGE 4
ensure your burn pile is fully extinguished?
Use a shovel to dig down into the pile. Dig in several spots in each pile you burned.
Feel the ash with the back of your hand (not your palm). We use the back of our hand because it is more
FIREWORKS | Be aware of wind FROM PAGE 5
years, in the early part of July, we see some of our hottest and driest weather. These conditions lead to many fires as a result of the use of fireworks. These fires not only involve our wooded and grassy areas but can also involve structures in the area. Be aware of windy weather as well. Winds have a tendency to blow fireworks where we don’t want them. Thoroughly inspect all areas after fireworks are used to ensure that there are no smoldering fires in the area. Do not wait to call 911 to report a fire. Many times most people think they will extinguish
the fire them self, and wait too long before calling 911. If a fire starts and a small bucket of water cannot extinguish the fire Call 911 Immediately! Remember if your firework causes any damage to property or structures you are responsible for the damages and in some cases the cost of extinguishment. Check with the Pend Oreille Sheriff’s Office 509-447-3151 for additional rules and regulations. We hope that this year we all have a safe and fire free Fourth of July! If you have any questions or if you would be interested in serving your community as a member of the volunteer fire district please contact me at 509-447-5305, or on-line at www.spofr.org.
sensitive to heat and, of course, we do not want to get a painful burn on our fingers or palms. If the ash you’ve uncovered feels warm at all, dig deeper to find out where the heat is coming from. Remember a fire is out only after you dig into it with a shovel and feel no heat in what you dig up. Always dig completely through the
ash layer into the dirt below to be sure you’ve haven’t missed anything. Guy Gifford is a landowner assistance forester and fire prevention and Firewise coordinator, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Northeast Region, guy. gifford@dnr.wa.gov.
MILFOIL | Best course is to have a plan FROM PAGE 5
times resulting in expensive motor damage and pose a drowning hazard to swimmers and water skiers. When faced with an aquatic weed infestation, the best course of action is to develop an integrated aquatic weed management plan (IAWMP). The process begins with identifying the stakeholders, scoping out the issues and science and selecting the management goals. During the scoping process, all the issues and conditions are put on the table. These include the weed’s biology, management techniques, environmental conditions and social issues. Surveying is a critical element of a management plan as it tells us the locations and extent of an infestation. With this information, management techniques can be chosen for each site of an infestation to best meet the goal for that area. Management techniques include prevention, mitigation, biological, cultural and mechanical practices and applying herbicide. The Pend Oreille PUD and Pend Oreille County June Lake Life
developed an IAWMP for the Pend Oreille River in 2005 and many of our lakes also have older plans. It’s time to pull them from the shelf, dust them off and update them. There is emerging new science and tools for managing milfoil infestations and experience with other lake systems show that success in reaching management goals is possible; however, in the end, political will is what will ultimately determine success. The will to make the financial investment for planning and implementing management goals give the potential for success, unfortunately, working in the aquatic environment is very expensive. The question comes to what would you be willing to commit in time and money to help develop management goals and implement the activities necessary to bring them to fruition? What is the best management technique or combination for your lake? That depends on the goal. I am so often asked, “What is the best way to control a weed?” My pat answer is, “Persistence. Keep after it, don’t let it get away from you and you can be successful in attaining you management goal.”
The Inland Northwest’s Premier Powersport Dealer
Just west of Downtown Spokane
Exit 276 from 1-90
4201 S Grove Rd, Spokane 509-747-1862 www.westsideracing.com *TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates
PAGE 15
CONTACT | FROM PAGE 14
ABR, CRS, GRI, SRS, SRES
Aerial drone footage available
with all waterfront & horse property home listings.
I take “For Sale”
to SOLD!! SOLD!
SOLD!
631 Sacheen Terrace Dr. SACHEEN LAKE: Cute A-frame, 50 FT waterfront, cozy & comfy, fireplace, 2 beds, 2 baths, very private lot. Furnished. $260,000 MLS# 201715113
13611 N Peninsula Dr, Newman Lake Waterfront living at Newman Lake at it’s best! This cabin sits right down close to the lake, Remodeled & has the perfect sandy beach, western exposure, a new $35K+ septic system & more. $289,900 MLS# 201716705
The district’s new sewer collection and treatment system serves the majority of the lakefront properties. The district continue to investigate connecting more homes to the system. The district also continues to work on lake water quality and lake level issues as well as milfoil control. The district owns and maintains the Myers/Harter Sanctuary, located near the corner of Highway 211 and Fertile Valley Road. Commissioners: position 1 Perry Pearman (2017), position 2 is Mike Quick (2017), position 3 Peggy Johnsen (2019) Commissioner stipend: 0 District Manager: Sheila Pearman Commissioners meet at Sacheen Lake Fire Station, Highway 211, on the second Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m.
South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue
DIAMOND LAKE: This Gorgeous 3 Bed, 3 Bath Craftsman Home offers a Guest House, a Gorgeous 100 FT FLAT Sandy Beach, 24 x 24 Shop, Gourmet Kitchen, Privacy & Sunset Views. By appt, please. MLS# 201714563
DIAMOND LAKE: This 5 Bed, 2 Bath home sits on a 50 FT Sandy Beach, Gourmet Kitchen, Large Master Suite, Private Dock, Hot tub, Trex Decks, Parking & more. Priced to sell at $385,000 MLS# 201711916
DIAMOND LAKE: This 3 Bed, 1 Bath home offers unobstructed lake & sunset views! Enjoy a Remodeled Kitchen & Bathroom, a garage, Fenced back yard & more. Priced to sell, $249,000 MLS# 201711542
Reduced! 1312 Southshore Diamond Lake Rd DIAMOND LAKE: Cozy & quaint waterfront cabin, 50 FT of “grass to waters edge” waterfont, a very solid lake bottom, sandy beach area, T&G pine throughout & more! $299,900 MLS# 201716734
62 Meadow Lane LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER: This Primary WATERFRONT offers: 660 FT frontage, 18+ Acres, nicely updated house & separate 1,300 SQ FT multi-purpose building. Enjoy kayaking, fishing, birding or just RELAXING! MLS# 201715096
See these listings & other WATERFRONT properties at:
www.WANT-WATERFRONT.com
COMING SOON: Nice, upgraded primary waterfront Diamond Lake home on 50 FT FLAT LOT w/ bunkhouse & storage galore under $325,000.
Scan this QR code to see my inventory
325272 Highway 2, Newport, WA 99156 Website: www.spofr.org Serving south Pend Oreille County including Diamond Lake, Sacheen Lake, Deer Valley, Camden and Fertile Valley areas. Chief: Mike Nokes 509-4475305 Annual salary: $72,930 Commissioners: Gary Wilkey 509-447-0744, Finance Officer Randy Miller 509-292-8065, Galen Hansen 509-292-9458, Vice Chairman Karen Johnston 509-939-7714, Chairman Harry Egland 509-936-0524 Commissioner stipend: $100 per meeting Commissioners meet the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Diamond Lake Station. Diamond Lake Station is staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.